(Getty)
In fantasy leagues, it’s time to stop what you’re doing and grab Karlos Williams.
That’s because news on LeSean McCoy’s injured hamstring appeared to take a turn for the worse during Thursday’s practice, per head coach Rex Ryan:
Rex Ryan says Bills had to “back out” LeSean McCoy from practice today after he experienced tightness in his hamstring.
UPDATE: As of Friday (September 18), McCoy is expected to play. Williams still remains a smart long-term stash.
It’s impossible to know the severity of the injury, and Ryan added that he’s “not giving up on McCoy playing” Week 2, but this is obviously worth our attention. McCoy battled this injury all through preseason, he admitted to not being 100 percent before playing Week 1 and hamstring injuries tend to linger, as evidenced during Thursday’s practice.
With so much uncertainty, his backup has to be owned in fantasy leagues, especially when said backup is as talented as Williams.
The rookie out of Florida State looked fantastic in Week 1, racking up 55 yards and a touchdown on just six carries:
This is the run Karlos Williams referenced as a confidence-booster. Took a hit, carried the tackler…
In a Rex Ryan system that likes to lean on physical defense and a heavy rushing attack, the 230-pound Williams, who can thrive in between the tackles, is a long-term stash no matter the scenario. But if McCoy goes down and Williams becomes the starter, he would immediately be a top-20 option at running back. There’s a reason the Bills were willing to part ways with both Fred Jackson and Bryce Brown.
Daily leaguers should also take notice. Williams is a dirt-cheap $3,300 in DraftKings’ Week 2 millionaire maker contest. He’s a must-own if he starts against a New England Patriots defense that got gashed by DeAngelo Williams at home last week. (If you haven’t signed up for DraftKings’ Millionaire Maker contest yet, you can do so here.)
